Ed MacConnell

Important Message from IBC’s Christopher Cashman

February 7, 2014February 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

We received the following message this week from IBC’s EVP and President Commercial Markets Christopher Cashman and wanted to pass it on to our clients: As you know, over the past few weeks we have experienced unprecedented challenges as a result of the work required to enroll more than 170,000 members in our new Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant products. This has led to significant delays in several business areas, which we understand have been frustrating for you, your customers, and our members. While other health insurers across the country are facing similar challenges enrolling members with new ACA health plans, we are deeply concerned that we have not met your… Read More

Amerihealth NJ: Individual Health Insurance payment deadline extension

February 7, 2014February 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

From Amerihealth: IHC payment deadline extension ATTENTION: To offer a greater peace of mind for customers purchasing individual coverage through the Federally Facilitated Marketplace or our retail platform, AmeriHealth New Jersey is extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with January 2014 effective dates to February 5, 2014. We are also extending the payment deadline for new IHC members with February 2014 effective dates to March 5, 2014. This change is one more way that we are helping consumers navigate the health care reform environment. If you have any further questions, please contact Total Benefit Solutions (215)355-2121.

Winter Storm Update:Friday February 7th

February 7, 2014February 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

OUR OFFICES ARE OPENING THIS AFTERNOON BUT WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. WHILE WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS WE ARE WORKING TO RESTORE ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY SOON. WE ARE MONITORING AND RESPONDING TO EMAILS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS OF NOON TODAY WE HAVE INTERMITTENT INTERNET AND PHONE SYSTEMS. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE REACHING US, OR ARE WAITING ON A RETURN CALL FROM US PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE WORK HARD TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED.

Winter Storm Update

February 6, 2014Ed MacConnell

DUE TO THIS WEEK’S DEVASTATING WINTER STORM , OUR OFFICES ARE OPERATING TODAY BUT WITH LIMITED RESOURCES. DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL WE HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT REGAINING FULL OPERATION SYSTEMS. WHILE WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO COMPLETELY RESTORE ALL POWER, PHONES AND INTERNET AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING BY MID DAY ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH. WE ARE MONITORING AND RESPONDING TO EMAILS. CURRENTLY WE HAVE INTERMITTENT INTERNET AND ONE PHONE LINE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS HAS CAUSED.

Total Benefit Solutio s Closed Due To Winter Storm

February 6, 2014Ed MacConnell

PLEASE NOTICE: DUE TO THE WINTER STORM TODAY, FEBRUARY 5TH OUR OFFICES ARE CLOSED. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO RESTORE POWER, PHONES AND INTERNET AND HOPE TO BE OPERATING BY MID DAY ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6TH. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENINCE THIS HAS CAUSED.

Target to Drop Health Benefits for Part-Timers… Good News for Employees?

January 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

This week, Fortune 500 retailer Target announced it would no longer provide health insurance for part-time employees as of April 1st. Instead, Target will provide $500 to those losing coverage and provide assistance in signing up for a new ObamaCare plan. For the majority of these part-time employees, this is really good news. Here’s why. According to Target’s news release, the decision came in light of new insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and the fact that only 10% of part-time employees had enrolled in its part-time plan. “The launch of Health Insurance Marketplaces provides new options for health care coverage that we believe our part-time team members may… Read More

IBC 2014 Renewals Important facts to know Q+A

January 21, 2014January 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

There are many changes for small business groups for 2014. These changes affect sole proprietor plans, licensed professionals and small groups. Please take a moment to review this Q&A and let us know if you have any questions. Q. What is an Open Enrollment Period? A. An Open Enrollment is the time during which you are permitted to make changes to your benefit plan. Q. How will the 2014 Open Enrollment Process Work? A. IBC will be sending you, via regular mail, your, 2014 Renewal Package. Total Benefit Solutions will also follow up with another copy via fax or email. The package will include the 2013 rates for your current… Read More

Total Benefit Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Wellworks for You.

January 21, 2014Ed MacConnell

Total Benefit Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Wellworks for You. This partnership enables us to offer services to our clients for designing and implementing comprehensive wellness programs. We truly believe that corporate wellness programs can deliver benefits to both employers and employees.From a financial standpoint, wellness programs can drive down health care utilization and costs. But more importantly, wellness programs can produce employees that healthy, satisfied, and productive employees and families. Some of the key highlights of this solution include onsite preventative screenings, wellness challenges, rewards, a monthly wellness newsletter, and more. Click the link below to get a quick look at the small business packages available to… Read More

Horizon Blue Cross Important Update on Benefit Waiting Periods

January 15, 2014January 15, 2014Ed MacConnell

Horizon BCBSNJ Group Administration – 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period Horizon BCBSNJ has issued This Letter to Group Administrators about the waiting period changes. We would like to provide you with additional clarification regarding this ACA change. • Groups with one to 99 employees who have a waiting period that exceeds 90 days per Horizon BCBSNJ’s system have been changed to a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. For example: A March 1 renewing group that has a six month waiting period will have a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. • Additionally, if a new employee is in the waiting period, as of January 1,… Read More

Amerihealth Important Notice

January 15, 2014Ed MacConnell

From Amerihealth: We have recently identified an issue with member identification cards that were distributed to existing and new business members with a January 2014 effective date. Some member identification cards were printed with incorrect BIN and PCN numbers. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and will reissue new member identification cards to all affected members. In the interim, if you receive questions from affected customers, you may provide them with the correct BIN and PCN numbers below: BIN – 015814 PCN – 06440000 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any additional questions, please contact your AmeriHealth New Jersey broker… Read More

ACA 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period – Small and Large Group Markets Update

December 30, 2013December 27, 2013Ed MacConnell

Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013 ACA 90 Day Waiting Period Limitation Effective January 1, 2014, a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. Please note the following administrative guidelines per carrier: Aetna Groups in the Small Group Market (applicable in all states – NY, NJ, PA, DE, CT): The carrier will change to a maximum of 60 days at the first renewal on or after January 1, 2014 unless the employer advises the carrier differently. Groups in the Large Group (51+ Employees) Market: The benefit waiting period will change at the first renewal in 2014.… Read More

IBC Group Medicare Security 65 Billing Issues

December 28, 2013December 28, 2013Ed MacConnell

Security 65 Invoices Security 65 groups that are transitioning to our new operating platform effective January 1, 2014 are receiving premium invoices that reflect a zero-dollar balance. These invoices were sent in error and new invoices reflecting the appropriate premium due and membership information are being generated. Please be assured that this was an invoice issue only and did not affect membership. All members are currently active and there is no impact to access of care.

6 Reasons Health Insurance Brokers Become Even More Important in 2014

December 27, 2013December 27, 2013Ed MacConnell

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) presents opportunities, and uncertainties, to health insurance agents and brokers. Yet as the ACA continues to roll out, it’s becoming clear that health insurance brokers are needed to help consumers and small businesses navigate the changing regulations, health plan choices, and enrollment process.

IBC Communications to new and renewing HSA customers

December 27, 2013Ed MacConnell

Communications to new and renewing HSA customers Customers preparing to migrate to the new platform recently received information about IBC’s new integrated Bank of America HSA. For January 1, 2014, effective dates, new IBC customers and customers who have renewed their QHDHP or newly selected one, will receive a packet by December 31 to help them easily manage the transition to the new Bank of America HSA. It includes: a cover letter about account setup and employer contributions an HSA Employer Portal User Access Request Form for small group and mid-market and larger groups to request access to make HSA contributions via ibxpress.com an FAQ with details about transitioning to… Read More

Please note our holiday office hours

December 24, 2013Ed MacConnell

Please note our holiday office hours: Tuesday December 24th: We will close early at 1:00PM Wednesday December 25th: Closed for the Christmas Day Holiday Thursday December 26th: We will reopen at 12:00 Noon until 5:00PM Tuesday December 31st: We will close early at 1:00PM Wednesday January 1st 2014: Closed for the New Year’s Day Holiday Thursday January 2nd 2014: We will reopen at 10 AM until 5:00PM Click here to watch our fun holiday JibJab video.

IBC January 1 2014 Enrollments-UPDATE

December 21, 2013December 21, 2013Ed MacConnell

We know that we have an extraordinary number of clients who are waiting for approvals from Independence Blue Cross for their new health insurance plans that are effective on January 1st 2014. Please rest assured that we have been following up on your enrollments each and every day. The following was provided to us this week from IBC: Broker Care Center and Individual Coverage – Primary and Producing Agents The Broker Care Center is currently experiencing high call volume due to peak season and inquiries regarding individual coverage. Please be assured that we are leveraging all resources to reduce your wait time and provide prompt service. Producers are encouraged to… Read More

Small Business SHOP application

December 17, 2013Ed MacConnell

Is your business eligible for the expanded Health Care Tax Credit under the Affordable Care Act? Small employers who meet the requirements are eligible for an expanded tax credit of up to 50% of the paid premiums if they meet the following requirements: Less than 25 employees Average wages of under $50,000 ( owners excluded) Employer must pay at least 50% of the premium Coverage must be offered to 100% of the eligible employees working on average of 30 hours per week 75% of the employees must participate in the coverage. In order to get the credit, your business must apply and be approved for eligibility before applying for… Read More

Health Reform: W-2 Reminder

December 17, 2013December 5, 2013Ed MacConnell

Health care reform provides that employers must report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored coverage on each employee’s annual Form W-2, beginning for the 2012 calendar year (reported on the January 2013 W-2). The amount reported is not taxable. Below you will find a bulletin with a summary of the guidance issued regarding W-2 reporting. W2_Reminder

ACA Virtual Town Hall Presentation on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

December 17, 2013Ed MacConnell

ACA Virtual Town Hall Presentation on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit These webinars will cover background information about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and are designed to enhance small business owners’ awareness and understanding of how the credit helps make insurance coverage more affordable for small employers. Following the presentation, there will be a live question and answer period with IRS representatives. Topics being discussed include: How the tax credit will make a difference to small employers; How to claim the credit; and ACA informational resources available. The next webinar will take place on December 18 at 3:30 PM ET (click here to register).

Exclusive: Thousands of HealthCare.gov sign-ups didn’t make it to insurers

December 16, 2013Ed MacConnell

Via The Washington Post: Enrollment records for close to 15,000 HealthCare.gov shoppers were not initially transmitted to the insurance plans they selected, according to a preliminary federal estimate released Saturday…click here to read the story on The Washington Post

Federal exchange sends unqualified people to Medicaid

December 9, 2013December 9, 2013Ed MacConnell

Brokers are reporting that some of their clients are in insurance limbo as they wait for the error to be corrected by HHS or their states. From USA Today… The federal health care exchange is incorrectly determining that some people are eligible for Medicaid when they clearly are not, leaving them with little chance to get the subsidized insurance they are entitled to as the Dec. 23 deadline for enrollment approaches. Read the story on USA Today

NAHU Asks President Obama To Help Agents Help Americans

December 9, 2013Ed MacConnell

From NAHU.org: Since the October 1 launch of the health insurance exchanges, consumers across the country are relying on health insurance agents and brokers more than ever. The problem, however, is that agents and brokers are experiencing far more issues with Healthcare.gov than some consumers. Earlier this week, Janet Trautwein, CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to take steps to address the back-end technical troubles tripping up brokers who are trying to enroll clients on the federal exchanges. In the letter, we addressed eight technical fixes that need to be addressed immediately, including a link to a local help… Read More

Health Care Reform Bulletin: Exchange Enrollment Periods

December 5, 2013Ed MacConnell

Health Care Reform Bulletin: Exchange Enrollment Periods Under the Exchange (also known as the Marketplace), there are three enrollment periods: the initial, the annual and the special enrollment periods. Click the link below to download the latest bulletin covering enrollment dates. Exchange Enrollment Dates – 120213R

Husband & Wife 2 Person Groups No Longer Eligible for Group Coverage

December 4, 2013March 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

Effective January 1, 2014 for new business and as existing groups renew thereafter, Husband and Wife only and Partner only businesses are no longer eligible for Small Group coverage. There are differences on how each state* will handle immediate family members who are also employees. Sole Proprietors Sole proprietors, owners and their immediate family members forming a business are not considered employees and may only buy insurance through the Individual Marketplace. Sole proprietors reporting on Schedule C cannot form a group health plan without having at least one non-spouse common-law employee.** * The FFM states (e.g., NJ, PA, DE) will abide by the above within the SHOP (Small Group Exchange Marketplace). In… Read More

FAQ – Can Employers Reimburse Employees’ Individual Health Insurance in 2014?

December 4, 2013December 3, 2013Ed MacConnell

Zane Benefits December 2, 2013 at 7:30 AM Today, less than 50% of small businesses offer employees health insurance, largely because of the cost. That’s over 2.3 million small businesses that don’t offer health insurance. Under ObamaCare, small businesses (<50 employees) aren’t required to offer health insurance, but most want to. And, there are new advantages of individual health insurance such as the premium tax credits and guaranteed-issue coverage. All of these factors leave many small business owners asking “Can I just reimburse employees’ individual health insurance in 2014?” Under ObamaCare, small businesses (<50 employees) aren’t required to offer health insurance, but most want to. And, there are new advantages of… Read More

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